EPIC sits down with the editorial board

By Zach Clemens

Trail-Gazette

Posted:
01/12/2018 09:47:35 AM MST

Estes Performing Inc. (EPIC) has been working to get a performing arts theater built in Estes Park, and Executive Director Al Milano and Communications Coordinator Anne Morris sat down with the Trail-Gazette's editorial board to discuss the past and future of the project as it stands today.

Milano was brought in after a nationwide search was made for a director. He told the editorial board that he has spearheaded the successful construction of five performing arts theaters and one cathedral and has helped with a dozens other projects across the country.

When Milano arrived in Estes Park a year ago on Jan. 13, they had a location in place on Rockwell and Elkhorn Ave. This changed in two months when the option to buy ran out, and the property owners didn't renew it.

"We went through a series of negotiations for two months," Milano said. "They offered to sell us the Rockwell side, but only lease the side that would be a theater. After 100s of hours of negotiations, we realized it could not be financially sustainable."

Milano said that he had estimated the theater would have gone bankrupt within five years of leasing that property. So a taskforce was formed by Milano to look at 20 different sites that are located all around town.

"In every city and every project I have done, it has always been hand-in-glove with the town or state and county officials," Milano said. "I don't think I could get any contributions if it isn't a big deal for Estes Park."

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It has been a long road to getting a performing arts center built in Estes Park, with a number of different organizations taking on the effort and even with over two decades of the goal not being accomplished, Milano remains confident it will happen, and for the benefit of the community.

"The impact of a performing arts theater has on a community is incredible. It brings young and old together and has great cultural significance," Milano said.

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